WASHINGTON: The US said on Saturday that it is “saddened” by the fresh wave of violence in Senegal and asked parties to “voice their views in a peaceful way.”
Senegal: US asks parties to resolve issues peacefully
US State Department said that the US “is troubled and dismayed” by the recent wave of violence and damages. Washington said that they had observed damages in many areas of the African country following overnight clashes between the opposition and police in the African nations left fifteen people dead.
Tensions remain high after nine people were killed on Thursday, following the sentencing of popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in prison for alleged corruption, after being acquitted of rape charges.
Government spokesperson Maham Ka informed AFP that an additional four deaths occurred on Friday evening in the capital city of Dakar and its suburbs, along with two deaths in Ziguinchor. During the clashes, protesting youths confronted security forces, leading to the ransacking of public and private property, banks, and shops.
The aftermath of the violence was visible with burned-out cars, debris-filled streets, and tire remnants. By early Saturday afternoon, the interior ministry reported no further instances of violence, although a significant number of police and military personnel remained deployed throughout the area.
